Long Island Special Needs Resource Guide - Part 3

UPDATED OCTOBER 2014: Are you looking for the most comprehensive guide to special needs resources in Long Island? Our special needs guide has listings for therapists, special needs camps, medical experts, advocates, and special needs support groups in Suffolk County, Long Island, including Huntington, Babylon, and Smithtown, and Nassau County, Long Island, from Glen Cove to Long Beach, and North Hempstead. 

SENSORY INTEGRATION

LOVE TO PIECES ENRICHMENT CENTER
3771 Nesconset Highway, Suite 104, South Setauket
631-675-9316

Our center is designed to foster all areas of development from infancy to preschool age. Love To Pieces incorporates family into our programs and tailors to typically developing children and children with special needs. LTP is a home away from home. We offer mommy and me classes, sensory classes, private ABA, feeding therapy, workshops, open play sessions, and much more. Overall our center provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that will be sure to please our families.

SERVING MULTIPLE DISABILITIES/OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES 

DORIS M. APTEKAR, PHD
School Psychologist/Bilingual Psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
516-484-6351
Email [email protected]

Dr. Aptekar has more than 35 years of experience working as a school psychologist, psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist with children and adults of varying needs. Dr. Aptekar works in groups or individually to help you and your loved ones achieve goals such as motivation, socialization, self-esteem, academic achievement, social judgment, and more. She has worked with all age groups and with the special needs population. Dr. Aptekar is available for CSE, IEP, and 504 meetings.

ISLAND WIDE SPEECH
2539 Martin Ave. (side entrance), Bellmore
516-415-2751
Email [email protected]

IWS is an auditory, speech, and language pathology private practice specializing in treating children with hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and listening challenges. Our services enable children to maximize their full potential and become successful communicators. We offer individual/group therapy across infancy, toddlerhood, school-age, preteens, etc. We use a family-centered approach, including direct involvement with the caregiver. Schedule an appointment by phone or email [email protected]. Check out our new book "Harmony Hears A Hoot" at harmonyhearsahoot.com!

MKSA
125 E. Bethpage Road, Suite 5, Plainview
516-731-5588
Email [email protected]

MKSA (formerly Marion K. Salomon & Associates, Inc.) is now providing early intervention services as part of the HASC family! Same caring, dedicated professionals; same high level of quality services! We provide a full range of evaluation, educational, therapeutic, and support services for children and families. We support each child’s developmental potential by providing programs tailored to each child’s specific needs. Visit us at mksallc.com or call 516-731-5588 with any concerns about your child’s development.

THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM
1517 Franklin Ave., Garden City
516-355-9400

In our Teen Adventure Connection Program, teens on the autism spectrum have the opportunity to explore the community and go out on trips with experienced, trained staff. Teens plan and implement their open recreational and social experiences facilitated through small group settings. Through planned community outings they foster friendships within a safe, supportive environment and develop independent living skills such as money management, social awareness, and community safety.

THE HAGEDORN LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL, JACK JOEL CENTER FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
Email [email protected]

HLVS is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. From evaluations conducted by experienced psychologists to center- and home-based programs, HLVS offers comprehensive care for children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Services utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis are provided for children through early intervention, CPSE and CSE on-site, in the home, and in the community.

VARIETY CHILD LEARNING CENTER
47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset
516-921-7171
Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School
72 Farmedge Road, Levittown, NY 11756
516-490-3301
Email [email protected]

Variety Child Learning Center is a nonprofit center whose mission is to support the education and inclusion of children with or at risk of disabilities, including autism, and assist families and train professionals who work with young children. Founded in 1966, all VCLC programs are guided by the concept that early intervention with parental involvement can make a lasting impact on a child’s development that is not possible if services are delayed.

SPECIAL EDUCATION 

DR. HELENE AGATSTEIN
Servicing Nassau Queens, Westchester, Connecticut, and Boston, MA, Valley Stream
516-791-1324
33 Dartmouth St. (hide from print)
Email [email protected]

Your school district has a multitude of resources to which your child may be entitled. Dr. Helene Agatstein can partner with you to design an effective, long-term plan to ensure your child achieves academic success. Founder of Educational Consultant, Inc., she has been helping parents secure services from school districts for more than 15 years, with 21 years experience as director of special programs for the Hewlett Woodmere School District. Find out how she can help your child.

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN
Aquebogue, Dix Hills, East Setauket, and Southampton

Alternatives For Children is an Early Intervention and preschool special education evaluation site and approved provider of Early Intervention services for eligible children delivered in the home, community, or at one of our four centers. Preschool special education and developmentally appropriate integrated nursery classes promote a child’s development through individualized instruction. Special education related services of physical, occupational, and speech therapy are provided by licensed therapists. AFC Child Day Care centers create a natural educational learning environment.

FRIENDLY KIDS SOCIAL SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP
631-988-0629
nymetroparents.com/taibi

Friendly Kids Social Skills and Friendship Group is offering a program for elementary students with and without special needs. Children will learn social skills while making friends and having fun. This group is facilitated by a school social worker who will work with parents to schedule play dates as a result of participating in this group. Please call Carrie: 631-988-0629.

JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER
250 Turnpike St., Canton
877-31-CHILD (312-5443)

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a special needs school in Canton, MA, serving both emotionally disturbed students with conduct, behavior, emotional, or psychiatric problems, and developmentally delayed students with autism. Some of our key features include consistent behavioral treatment, no or minimal psychotropic medication, near-zero rejections or near-zero expulsions, powerful varied rewards, one computer per student, and digital video monitoring. For a more detailed list of JRC's key features, please visit judgerc.org.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, PLLC
1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington
631-379-9569
Email [email protected]

School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified Impartial Hearing Officer and is hearing Due Process Hearings in New York City.

STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION
13 South Bayles Ave., Port Washington
516-767-0266

At Steps to Socialization, we understand that not all children process social information the same way. Our curriculum, designed for children through 12th grade, makes the hidden rules of daily social interactions simple and clear. Through targeted activities and role-play, your child will gain the communication skills needed to navigate the social world. Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the team. We work together to reinforce the program at home and school.

THE HAGEDORN LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL, JACK JOEL CENTER FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
Email [email protected]

HLVS is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. From evaluations conducted by experienced psychologists to center- and home-based programs, HLVS offers comprehensive care for children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Services utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis are provided for children through early intervention, CPSE and CSE on-site, in the home, and in the community.

SPEECH THERAPY

ACHIEVE BEYOND
7000 Austin St., Suite 200, Forest Hills
866-696-0999
538 Broadhollow Road, Suite 202
Melville, NY 11747
Email [email protected]

Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services is able to provide ABA services to children, ages newborn-21 years, throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Our dedicated team of BCBA supervisors and behavior therapists work one-on-one with families in home, school, and community settings. Parents can choose to pay privately or receive services via Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, GHI/HIP, Tricare, United Health, and many other insurance providers. For more information please call 631-385-7780 x626, or visit achievebeyondusa.com.

ISLAND WIDE SPEECH
2539 Martin Ave. (side entrance), Bellmore
516-415-2751
Email [email protected]

IWS is an auditory, speech, and language pathology private practice specializing in treating children with hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and listening challenges. Our services enable children to maximize their full potential and become successful communicators. We offer individual/group therapy across infancy, toddlerhood, school-age, preteens, etc. We use a family-centered approach, including direct involvement with the caregiver. Schedule an appointment by phone or email [email protected]. Check out our new book "Harmony Hears A Hoot" at harmonyhearsahoot.com!

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH
Stony Brook
213 Hallock Road, Suite 6
Stony Brook, NY 11790
631-689-6858
East Yaphank
Eastern Suffolk Speech and
Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island
1500 William Floyd Parkway, Suite 303
East Yaphank, NY 11967
631-775-8203
Farmingville
2410 N. Ocean Ave., Suite 202
Farmingville, NY 11738
631-346-3334
Commack
Mid Suffolk Speech and
Swallowing Disorder Services
283 Commack Road, Suite 303
Commack, NY 11725
631-493-5859
Jericho
500 N. Broadway, Suite 141
Jericho, NY 11753
631-689-6858
Wantagh
3375 Park Ave., Suite 4010
Wantagh, NY 11793
516-221-3653
Lake Success
Speech Pathology and
Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island
444 Lakeville Road, Suite 104
Lake Success, NY 11042
516-216-1791

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

AQUA TOTS SWIM SCHOOL
Plainview and Garden City Locations,
917-653-6335

Swimming is one of the best activities for children, especially those with ADHD and other special needs. Swimming is a fun activity that requires both physical effort and concentration. Like all exercise, it helps burn excess energy and will help your child stay focused, even when he or she is out of the water. Swimming is also a life-saving tool for all ages. Call now to register your child at Aqua Tots Swim School, where all of our instructors are experienced with children with special needs.

BE THE BEST SPORT
30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington
516-453-0990
Email [email protected]

Be The Best Sport is a 501(c)(3) adaptive sports program for children with special needs. Athletes are exposed to sports such as basketball, soccer, yoga, and other activities. The goal of the program is to develop and strengthen motor, cognitive, and social abilities. The program facilitates the building of sports skills, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship, while meeting the needs of each individual. Recreational therapists, professional coaches, and dedicated volunteers help the athletes acquire new skills and develop motor skills.

GREAT PLAY OF WOODMERE
1012 Railroad Ave., Woodmere
516-341-0050
Email [email protected]

The magic of Great Play is our curriculum that directs play through instruction, plus hundreds of specialized games that are introduced at specific stages in children’s development to develop a full range of necessary skills. Our goal is for every child to reach his or her full physical potential and develop a love of physical activity that will lead to an active and healthy life! We make it fun for kids to develop motor skills, sports skills, fitness, and coordination!

THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM
1517 Franklin Ave., Garden City
516-355-9400

Full on Fitness is a small group exercise program for children and teens with autism. Led by Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen, M.S., participants are matched for age and ability levels and each class is individualized. Developing strength, stability, and motor planning using medicine balls, hurdles, sandbags, and fitness ropes are the foundations of programming. Full on Fitness promotes social interaction and skills that can be used beyond the gym.

RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS 

TEMPLE SINAI CHAZAK PROGRAM
425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights
516-621-8016
Email [email protected]

CHAZAK is a program that provides a meaningful Jewish learning experience to children with special needs. The multi-faceted program includes Shabbat and Jewish holiday programs, a three-hour drop off program on certain days that schools are closed, and social activities. CHAZAK is led by certified special education teachers. Workshops integrate movement, music, art, cooking, yoga, and other forms of enrichment into the learning experience with a small teacher-to-student ratio. This program is free of charge to all.